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Paige Proctor, PA-CPhysician Assistant
Christy Sorey, FNP-CNurse Practitioner
Robyn Byrd, FNP-BCNurse Practitioner
Samantha Marshall, FNP-BCNurse Practitioner
Talia Wallace, DNP, FNP-CNurse Practitioner
Kelly Lewis, PA-CPhysician Assistant
Emily Thomas, RDRegistered Dietitian
Eric M. Byman, MDMedical Director
Chesapeake clinic with telehealth available across Virginia.
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FDA-approved injectable and oral medications that work with your body's natural hunger signals to support lasting weight loss — prescribed and managed by your clinician.
Clinician-managed • Insurance accepted • No referral needed
GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications originally developed for type 2 diabetes that have since been approved specifically for chronic weight management. They work by mimicking a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which is a hormone that regulates appetite, blood sugar, and satiety signals. Tirzepatide (Zepbound) is technically a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, but it is commonly grouped with this class due to its shared mechanism of action and clinical use.
When prescribed as part of a clinical weight loss program, GLP-1 medications help reduce appetite and food cravings — not through willpower, but through biological mechanisms. Patients often describe the effect as a quieting of the constant background noise around food. This is not a stimulant or a metabolism booster. It is a targeted treatment that works with your body's existing hormonal pathways.
Clinical trials have demonstrated significant weight loss results with GLP-1 medications. In pivotal studies, patients using semaglutide (Wegovy) lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks. Tirzepatide (Zepbound) reached 22.5% in SURMOUNT-1, and in SURMOUNT-5 showed 20.2% versus 13.7% for semaglutide over 72 weeks. These results were achieved alongside reduced-calorie diets and increased physical activity.
Important safety information: GLP-1 medications carry an FDA boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors seen in animal studies and are contraindicated with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2.
At PEAK, GLP-1 medication is never the entire treatment plan. It is one tool within a broader clinical approach that includes nutrition counseling, continuous glucose monitoring when appropriate, and regular clinician check-ins. This model helps patients develop lasting habits while on treatment, which supports long-term success whether medication continues or is eventually tapered.
GLP-1 treatment follows a structured titration schedule. Here's how the process typically works at PEAK.
Your clinician reviews your health history, lab work, BMI, and insurance eligibility to determine if GLP-1 medication is appropriate for you. This visit is covered by most insurance plans.
You'll begin on the lowest dose and gradually increase over several weeks. This slow titration minimizes side effects like nausea and helps your body adjust comfortably.
Regular check-ins with your clinician, dietitian consultations, and CGM data (when applicable) help track your progress and adjust the plan as needed.
As you approach your goals, your clinical team works with you on maintenance strategies — whether that means continued medication, dose adjustment, or a transition plan.
GLP-1 medications are one part of a larger treatment plan. Research consistently shows that the best long-term outcomes come from combining medication with nutritional support, behavioral changes, and ongoing clinical oversight. At PEAK, every patient receives a full clinical program — not just a prescription.
PEAK only prescribes FDA-approved, brand-name GLP-1 medications. We do not offer compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide. Learn why we made this decision.
GLP-1 medications are generally indicated for adults with a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related health condition (such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol). Your clinician will review your full health history to determine if this treatment is appropriate for you.
The most common side effects during titration are gastrointestinal — nausea, constipation, and occasionally diarrhea. These are typically mild and improve as your body adjusts over the first few weeks. Starting at a low dose and titrating slowly (as PEAK does) significantly reduces the severity and duration of these effects.
Many commercial insurance plans cover GLP-1 medications for weight management, though coverage varies by payer and plan. PEAK accepts Anthem, Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Sentara, and TRICARE commercial plans, and does not accept Medicare or Medicaid plans. Some plans require prior authorization. PEAK's team handles the prior authorization process and works directly with your insurance to determine coverage before treatment begins. View our insurance and pricing page for more details.
Treatment duration varies by patient. Some patients take GLP-1 medication long-term as part of ongoing chronic disease management, while others may be able to taper off after reaching their goals — particularly if they've built strong nutritional and behavioral habits during treatment. Your clinician will work with you to develop the right long-term plan.
FDA-approved medications have undergone rigorous clinical trials that demonstrate both safety and efficacy. Compounded versions of GLP-1 drugs — which are widely available through telehealth platforms — have not been through this same process, and their dosing accuracy, sterility, and consistency cannot be guaranteed. PEAK's position is that the safety of our patients is not something we're willing to compromise on. Read more about this decision.
Many of our patients come to PEAK after starting GLP-1 treatment elsewhere — often through telehealth-only services. If you're currently taking medication and want to transition to a clinician-managed program with nutritional support and in-person care, we can work with you to ensure a smooth handoff. Your clinician will review your current dosage and adjust your overall treatment plan accordingly.
GLP-1 medication works best as part of a complete clinical program. These services are available to all weight loss patients.
Schedule a consultation with a PEAK clinician. We'll review your health history, check insurance coverage, and build a treatment plan designed around your goals.
Schedule Your ConsultationNo referral needed • Most insurance accepted • Chesapeake, VA